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Syrian army breaks three-year 'Islamic State' siege in Deir el-Zour

Syrian state media has reported that government troops breached a nearly three-year siege by the so-called "Islamic State" (IS) in the contested city of Deir el-Zour, in another strategic and symbolic defeat for IS.

Following a months' long advance across IS lines, Syrian troops, advancing from the west, breached the siege after insurgent defenses collapsed, state news agency SANA reported. Troops went on to capture a military base, known as Brigade 137, which connects the northern part of Deir el-Zour via road with the rest of the city.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad congratulated government troops, saying in a statement: "Today you stood side-by-side with your comrades who came to your rescue and fought the hardest battles to break the siege on the city."

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Escaping "Islamic State" – Q&A with Masoud Aqil

Escaping "Islamic State" – Q&A with Masoud Aqil

The contested city, located near the Iraqi border, has been divided between IS and government forces since 2015. Around 100,000 civilians are believed to be trapped in the government-held enclaves, with food and medicine thought to be in very limited supply. Another 10,000 people are thought to be in parts of the city held by IS.

While the breach is expected to end the nightmare siege for many thousands of civilians, IS continues to control large parts of the oil-rich Deir el-Zour province. The southern half of Deir el-Zour city, where a key government military airport is located, also still remains surrounded.

Troops backed by Russian missile strikes

Russia's Defense Ministry said that guided missiles fired from its frigate in the Mediterranean Sea struck key IS targets in Deir el-Zour as part of the Syrian army's advance.

What is the 'Islamic State'?

Where did it come from?

The "Islamic State" (IS) — also known as ISIL, ISIS and Daesh — is an al-Qaida splinter group with a militant Sunni Islamist ideology. It emerged in the aftermath of the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and is led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Their goal is to create a worldwide "caliphate." It gained worldwide notoriety in 2014 after a blitzkrieg military campaign that resulted in the capture of Mosul.

What is the 'Islamic State'?

Where does it operate?

IS is believed to be operational in more than a dozen countries across the world. It controls territories in Iraq and Syria. However, the group has lost much of the territory it controlled in Iraq and Syria at the height of its expansion in 2014.

What is the 'Islamic State'?

Who is fighting back?

The US leads an international coalition of more than 50 countries, including several Arab nations. Russia, Iran and its Lebanese Shiite ally Hezbollah, which all support the Syrian government, also fight IS. Regional forces such as the Kurdish peshmerga (above) and US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters, fight IS on the ground. The Iraqi army and militia have pushed IS from large parts of the country.

What is the 'Islamic State'?

How does it fund itself?

One of IS' main sources of income has been oil and gas. At one point, it controlled an estimated one-third of Syria's oil production. However, US-led airstrikes deliberately targeted oil resources and the Syrian government as well as US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters have retaken most oil wells. Other means of income include taxes, ransom, selling looted antiquities and extortion.

What is the 'Islamic State'?

Where does it carry out attacks?

IS has claimed responsibility for numerous terrorist attacks across the globe. The militant group has targeted capitals across the EU, including Berlin, Brussels and Paris. IS leaders have encouraged so-called "lone wolf" attacks, whereby individuals who support IS carry out terrorist acts without the direct involvement of the group.

What is the 'Islamic State'?

What other tactics does it use?

The group uses various tactics to expand its power. IS fighters have looted and destroyed historical artifacts in Syria and Iraq in an attempt at "cultural cleansing." The group has also enslaved thousands of women from religious minority groups, including Yazidis. IS also uses a sophisticated social network to distribute propaganda and recruit sympathizers.

What is the 'Islamic State'?

How has it impacted the region?

IS has further exacerbated the ongoing Syrian conflict. Millions of Syrians and Iraqis have fled their homes, many traveling to Europe in pursuit of refuge. Although it has lost all of its strongholds, the militant group has left extraordinary destruction in its wake. Areas affected by the militant group's rule will likely take years to rebuild.

Author: Rachel Stewart

'IS' in retreat

The breach into Deir el-Zour marks the latest defeat for IS.

Last month, US-backed Iraqi forces captured the major and ancient Iraqi city of Mosul, which had been under IS occupation since 2014. The US is also providing military support to Syrian rebel forces as they attempt to take the rest of IS' self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa, having already claimed more than half.

Deir el-Zour, to the southeast of Raqqa, has been completely cut off from government-held areas since 2013, after rebel groups first rose up against Assad, before being overrun by IS insurgents the following year.